Human cytomegalovirus chemokine receptor gene US28 is transcribed in latently infected THP-1 monocytes

PS Beisser, L Laurent, JL Virelizier… - Journal of virology, 2001 - Am Soc Microbiol
PS Beisser, L Laurent, JL Virelizier, S Michelson
Journal of virology, 2001Am Soc Microbiol
The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) US28 gene product, pUS28, is a G protein-coupled
receptor that interacts with both CC and CX3C chemokines. To date, the role of pUS28 in
immune evasion and cell migration has been studied only in cell types that can establish
productive HCMV infection. We show that HCMV can latently infect THP-1 monocytes and
that during latency US28 is transcribed. We also show that the transcription is sustained
during differentiation of the THP-1 monocytes. Since cells expressing pUS28 were …
Abstract
The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) US28 gene product, pUS28, is a G protein-coupled receptor that interacts with both CC and CX3C chemokines. To date, the role of pUS28 in immune evasion and cell migration has been studied only in cell types that can establish productive HCMV infection. We show that HCMV can latently infect THP-1 monocytes and that during latency US28 is transcribed. We also show that the transcription is sustained during differentiation of the THP-1 monocytes. Since cells expressing pUS28 were previously shown to adhere to immobilized CX3C chemokines (C. A. Haskell, M. D. Cleary, and I. F. Charo, J. Biol. Chem. 275:34183–34189, 2000), we hypothesize that latently infected circulating monocytes express pUS28, thereby enabling adhesion of these cells to CX3C-exposing endothelium. Consequently, the US28-encoded chemokine receptor may play an important role in dissemination of latent HCMV.
American Society for Microbiology